After Jaipur we spent two nights in Rathtambore, a tiger reserve which was once the hunting ground of the Maharaja. The number of wild tigers is diminishing rapidly and since they require a large range and are territorial, we were not fortunate enough to see one, although we heard one and heard the monkeys and deer giving warning calls. The temperature drops to about 10C at night at this time of year, so the early morning safari in an open vehicle was an experience! Christmas eve was marked by an outdoor barbeque which was very nice with blazing log fires and great food, but we bundled up in socks, hats and as many sweaters as we had. Then it ws on to Agra.
At the end of December Rod closed the computer school because of low income and rent increases. It was in a poor location, received little support from the diocese and January is usually a lean month for people with school fees and bills from Christmas. The news is not all bad because Vincent, who was one of our first students five years ago, has taken over in a new location. He was one of our instructors and we trained him as a technician. He has a thriving little business and has agreed to maintain the instructors, the salaries and the policies, at least for the foreseeable future. He is working very hard at marketing and we have good hopes of success. Rod is glad to be rid of the stress of keeping it going, particularly during our time away. We have trained a lot of young people in computer skills and we are proud of a great number of success stories. In the picture (l to r) is Johnstone, our 'daktari' in training proudly holding his graduation gift of a phone; then Ben who is doing Business Studies and runs the computer school; next is Vincent who has taken over the school; the young woman in dark clothing is Magdalene who received an A average from a school with no power and mud walls. She wants to do medecine if she gets a place. Lastly is Carolyne who would love to train as a teacher, but for now is working in the computer school. She is a skilled dressmake and a very enthusiastic and hard worker.
Maybe it's time for a short break from India and let you know what's going on in Kenya. Despite many protests the President signed the Media Bill into law. This gives the government the right to seize equipment, regulate coverage and close down broadcasts. The PO can open mail and email can be read. After a huge outcry, the Pres decided to 'take a second look.' He's probably going to appoint a commission, hoping it will be forgotten in some new scandal, which usually happens. Problem is the second look is generated by fear of unpopularity at the next election, not by any concern for democracy and a free press.
Hunger is acute in the drought ridden areas of the north and in places like Baringo where no one planted early last year. The 'cheap' maize proved a fiasco as we suspected. 100,000 bags (yes, you read the number right) have disappeared without a trace, leaving only 44,000 for processing.
Results are out for the Primary (gr8) leaving exams. 250,000 children will not go to high school for lack of a place available. Disputes are rampant about increases in school (boarding) fees and teachers are threatening to strike for more pay on Jan 19. They have actually been awarded raises but the government wants to pay an average of about 1,000 sh ($15) per month over three years. CHES is busy interviewing and KEEF will interview next week. We will see mainly boys since CHES has a lot of scholarships this year for girls.
At the end of December Rod closed the computer school because of low income and rent increases. It was in a poor location, received little support from the diocese and January is usually a lean month for people with school fees and bills from Christmas. The news is not all bad because Vincent, who was one of our first students five years ago, has taken over in a new location. He was one of our instructors and we trained him as a technician. He has a thriving little business and has agreed to maintain the instructors, the salaries and the policies, at least for the foreseeable future. He is working very hard at marketing and we have good hopes of success. Rod is glad to be rid of the stress of keeping it going, particularly during our time away. We have trained a lot of young people in computer skills and we are proud of a great number of success stories. In the picture (l to r) is Johnstone, our 'daktari' in training proudly holding his graduation gift of a phone; then Ben who is doing Business Studies and runs the computer school; next is Vincent who has taken over the school; the young woman in dark clothing is Magdalene who received an A average from a school with no power and mud walls. She wants to do medecine if she gets a place. Lastly is Carolyne who would love to train as a teacher, but for now is working in the computer school. She is a skilled dressmake and a very enthusiastic and hard worker. On a final note, I will post a couple of pictures of the main shopping street directly in front of Fomat for those who know Kakamega. The 'river' you see bears the name of the local MP. Next blog will cover the visit to the Taj Mahal. sm.jpg)
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